Transportation infrastructure ailing, says survey

“Collapsing transportation infrastructure” is threatening the U.S. travel industry and the overall economy according to a survey released Thursday by the U.S. Travel Association and Building America’s Future, an educational and advocacy group that promotes infrastructure investment.

The survey of U.S. Travel Association members revealed that only 12% believe that America's infrastructure is in "pretty good" shape, while 87% rate it as “fair” or “poor.”

About three-fourths said the quality and reliability of infrastructure is extremely important to their business, and an equal number said they do not believe the country’s infrastructure is well-positioned for the future.

The findings of the survey were released at a press conference featuring Building America's Future's co-chairs, former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell and former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, and U.S. Travel Association CEO Roger Dow.

LaHood stated, "It is imperative that Congress takes action to fix America's crumbling bridges and potholed roads so that the United States can once again be economically competitive on a global scale. Six of the world's busiest ports are now in China, and none are here in the U.S. America invented aviation, and now the U.S. ranks 18th in the world behind such countries as Barbados and Panama in the industry. It's shameful, and must be remedied."